Genetic Diversity and Sustainable Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are widely used in healthcare, food production, cosmetics, and traditional medicine and form an important part of global biodiversity. Increasing economic and pharmacological value has raised concerns about genetic diversity conservation. However, many MAP species are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, overharvesting, deforestation, and unsustainable land use, leading to population decline and genetic erosion. To address these issues, conservation strategies include in situ protection of natural habitats, ex situ conservation through seed banks and botanical gardens, and sustainable cultivation practices. Biotechnological tools such as micropropagation and molecular marker techniques also support preservation and characterization of genetic resources. Turkey is an important center of MAP diversity due to its ecological heterogeneity and high endemism. Therefore, conserving these resources is essential for biodiversity protection and future agricultural, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical applications. Strengthening conservation policies and interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary for long-term sustainability.